How to Clean a Bathtub, No Matter How Dirty it Is

February 21, 2019Doug Murray

On the surface, cleaning the tub should be easy. But with tile, grout and tight corners, it's actually more of a chore than it appears. So, how do you clean a disgusting bathtub? If you've been a little tardy, here are some excellent ways to make your tub sparkle.

Bathrooms

How to Clean a Bathtub, No Matter How Dirty it Is

February 21, 2019 Doug Murray

On the surface, cleaning the tub should be easy. But with tile, grout and tight corners, it's actually more of a chore than it appears. So, how do you clean a disgusting bathtub? If you've been a little tardy, here are some excellent ways to make your tub sparkle.

Let's Begin

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Let's Begin

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

This is pretty much worst case scenario when it comes to learning how to clean a disgusting bathtub. An extremely old, staining bathrub that will strike fear into the hearts of anyone wanting to take a bath. We're not here to judge, but if your tub looks like this then you've got some work to do.
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Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/15-things-you-shouldnt-keep-in-your-bathroom-1916685/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">15 Things You Shouldn't Keep in Your Bathroom </a>

Let's Begin

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This is pretty much worst case scenario when it comes to learning how to clean a disgusting bathtub. An extremely old, staining bathrub that will strike fear into the hearts of anyone wanting to take a bath. We're not here to judge, but if your tub looks like this then you've got some work to do.
<br><br>
Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/15-things-you-shouldnt-keep-in-your-bathroom-1916685/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">15 Things You Shouldn't Keep in Your Bathroom </a>

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Pre-heat Surfaces

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Pre-heat Surfaces

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

First, let's look at general cleaning — and then we'll come back and look at specific problems like rust. <a href="https://www.hgtv.com/" target="_blank">HGTV</a> spoke to Jenny Botero, resident manager of Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia and Erika Jacso, director of style for the W New York Union Square, in New York City.
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One awesome trick they had for making your cleaning job easier is to pre-heat the surfaces you're cleaning. Did you know that if you heat your tub and tile surfaces, you can make your cleaning products even more effective? Fill the tub with about 10 cm of hot tap water and splash some on tile surfaces as well. After a few minutes, the surfaces will be heated up and ready for cleaning.

Pre-heat Surfaces

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First, let's look at general cleaning — and then we'll come back and look at specific problems like rust. <a href="https://www.hgtv.com/" target="_blank">HGTV</a> spoke to Jenny Botero, resident manager of Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia and Erika Jacso, director of style for the W New York Union Square, in New York City.
<br><br>
One awesome trick they had for making your cleaning job easier is to pre-heat the surfaces you're cleaning. Did you know that if you heat your tub and tile surfaces, you can make your cleaning products even more effective? Fill the tub with about 10 cm of hot tap water and splash some on tile surfaces as well. After a few minutes, the surfaces will be heated up and ready for cleaning.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Apply Your Cleaner of Choice

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Apply Your Cleaner of Choice

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Now that your surfaces are warmed up, you can begin cleaning. After draining the hot water, spray your cleaner of choice on the tub and tiles. Start at the top and work your way down. Make sure you use rubber gloves if you're using chemicals.

Apply Your Cleaner of Choice

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Now that your surfaces are warmed up, you can begin cleaning. After draining the hot water, spray your cleaner of choice on the tub and tiles. Start at the top and work your way down. Make sure you use rubber gloves if you're using chemicals.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Apply Evenly

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Apply Evenly

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

When it comes to cleaning an old, stained bathtub, use a cloth or sponge to make sure all surfaces are evenly covered with cleaner.

Rust Stains

There are several ways to get rid of rust stains. Your local hardware store carries products specifically for cleaning these kinds of stains.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Rust Stains

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Rust Stains

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

However, you might prefer to use something that's natural and better for the environment. In this case, you have several options.
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A nifty trick is to use table salt and lemons. Cover the rust stain with table salt and then squeeze a lemon (or pour some lemon juice) over the salt. <a href="https://lifehacker.com/" target="_blank">Lifehacker</a> recommends leaving the resulting paste on the stain for several hours while the rust is absorbed into the salt. Rinse when done.

Rust Stains

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However, you might prefer to use something that's natural and better for the environment. In this case, you have several options.
<BR><BR>
A nifty trick is to use table salt and lemons. Cover the rust stain with table salt and then squeeze a lemon (or pour some lemon juice) over the salt. <a href="https://lifehacker.com/" target="_blank">Lifehacker</a> recommends leaving the resulting paste on the stain for several hours while the rust is absorbed into the salt. Rinse when done.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Rust Stains

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Rust Stains

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

If lemon juice and salt don't do the trick, try the amazing cleaning power of baking soda and vinegar. Make a paste and apply. Then give the area a good scrub. Repeat as necessary.

Rust Stains

If lemon juice and salt don't do the trick, try the amazing cleaning power of baking soda and vinegar. Make a paste and apply. Then give the area a good scrub. Repeat as necessary.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Rust Stains

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Rust Stains

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

<a href="https://homequicks.com/" target="_blank">Homequicks</a> has a rust cleaning solution using something most of us have in our medicine cabinet: hydrogen peroxide. Apply a small amount to the stain and wait for a few minutes. Then give the area a really good scrub. You can also try adding borax for additional cleaning power.

Rust Stains

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<a href="https://homequicks.com/" target="_blank">Homequicks</a> has a rust cleaning solution using something most of us have in our medicine cabinet: hydrogen peroxide. Apply a small amount to the stain and wait for a few minutes. Then give the area a really good scrub. You can also try adding borax for additional cleaning power.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Rust Stains

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Rust Stains

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Our final natural method of cleaning rust stains from your tub uses Cola-Cola. Soak the area overnight (or longer). Then give it a good scrub before rinsing. <a href="https://cleanmyspace.com/" target="_blank">Clean My Space</a> says this works because the Coke breaks down the rust.

Rust Stains

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Our final natural method of cleaning rust stains from your tub uses Cola-Cola. Soak the area overnight (or longer). Then give it a good scrub before rinsing. <a href="https://cleanmyspace.com/" target="_blank">Clean My Space</a> says this works because the Coke breaks down the rust.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Grout

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Grout

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

There are plenty of commercial products you can use to clean your grout, however, if you want to go natural, we've got some fab ideas.
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If the grout isn't super dirty or mildew-y, you can brighten it up with little more than some lemon juice and an old toothbrush. Soak the toothbrush in the lemon juice and give your grout a good scrub.

Grout

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There are plenty of commercial products you can use to clean your grout, however, if you want to go natural, we've got some fab ideas.
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If the grout isn't super dirty or mildew-y, you can brighten it up with little more than some lemon juice and an old toothbrush. Soak the toothbrush in the lemon juice and give your grout a good scrub.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Grout

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Grout

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Of course, baking soda with also help clean grout. Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply. After a few minutes use a toothbrush to scrub the paste off, and then rinse.

Grout

Of course, baking soda with also help clean grout. Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply. After a few minutes use a toothbrush to scrub the paste off, and then rinse.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Grout

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Grout

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

If the water and baking soda paste doesn't have enough oomph, try using a paste of vinegar and baking soda. Apply, wait for a few minutes and then give it a good scrub. Rinse and behold the cleanliness!

Grout

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If the water and baking soda paste doesn't have enough oomph, try using a paste of vinegar and baking soda. Apply, wait for a few minutes and then give it a good scrub. Rinse and behold the cleanliness!

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Shower Head

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Shower Head

If your tub is gross, then your shower head probably is too. Thankfully, cleaning your shower head is easy. Simply fill a plastic bag with distilled white vinegar and tie it around the shower head. Leave it to soak overnight and then remove the bag in the morning. Wipe off any residue and then run the shower for a few minutes.

Shower Head

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If your tub is gross, then your shower head probably is too. Thankfully, cleaning your shower head is easy. Simply fill a plastic bag with distilled white vinegar and tie it around the shower head. Leave it to soak overnight and then remove the bag in the morning. Wipe off any residue and then run the shower for a few minutes.

Shower Curtain

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Shower Curtain

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

If your shower curtain is covered with mildew, you can freshen it up easily. Simply toss in your washing machine with a towel. Use the gentle cycle and medium temperature water. Most detergents will work just fine. Hang to dry.

Shower Curtain

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If your shower curtain is covered with mildew, you can freshen it up easily. Simply toss in your washing machine with a towel. Use the gentle cycle and medium temperature water. Most detergents will work just fine. Hang to dry.